Skopje, 24 November 2023 (MIA) - North Macedonia is entering the final stretch of its 2023 OSCE Chairpersonship. The country prepared for this task well before assuming it, and "It's About People" was the slogan and motivation of our work, says Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairman-in-Office (CiO) Bujar Osmani in a video-message.

"We set ourselves as the Chairpersonship focused on people, because in a world of turmoil, the people's needs and demands come first. Their security should always be central in the efforts of all political leaders. The approach of North Macedonia's OSCE Chairpersonship was multilayered and focused on: clear commitment to the people of Ukraine and other regions impacted by conflicts while supporting the affected population and institutions; OSCE's field operations and their support to improving people's lives; and promotion of OSCE's facilities as the only platform for dialogue," says Osmani ahead of next week's Ministerial Council in Skopje.

As part of these efforts, he adds, visits were made to Ukraine, the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Moldova, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.

"While giving priority to Ukraine and management of the consequences of the Russian military aggression, we also aimed to maintain the consistency of our principles across the OSCE region, with a focus on the long-term conflicts, increased tensions and their impact on people, as well as putting OSCE tools at the disposal of those in need," says Osmani.

A number of conferences dedicated to the Chairpersonship themes were also held, including antisemitism, economic and climate challenges in the OSCE region, gender equality, human rights, youth and their future etc.

For the purpose of a more focused approach in addressing these issues, the CiO designated his special representatives for youth, civil society and climate change, in order to integrate various perspectives that would serve as a source of different approaches and contribute to proper, responsible governance and societal progress benefiting citizens.

"Over the past year as OSCE chair, North Macedonia has firmly observed the Organization's principles and commitments, contributing to peace and security through our authentic decades-long experience to provide assistance and support to those who need mediation and understanding in settling their problems," underlines Osmani.

North Macedonia took over the annual OSCE Chairpersonship from Poland on 1 January 2023 but there is still no consensus among member-states over the next chair-country.

Photo: MIA archive